Abstract
Aging is associated with increased glial responsiveness that may enhance the brain's susceptibility to injury and disease. To determine whether unique age-related molecular responses occur in brain injury, we assessed mRNA levels of representative central nervous system (CNS) inflammation-related molecules in young (3 months) and aged (36 months) Fisher 344/Brown Norwegian F1 hybrid rats following cortical stab. Enhanced glial activation in older animals was accompanied by increased expression of a subset of inflammation-related mRNAs, including IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-6, ICAM-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and complement 3alpha-chain 1 (C3alpha1). Recognition of these age-specific differences may guide development of novel treatment regimes for older individuals.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Aging / immunology*
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Animals
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Astrocytes / chemistry
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Astrocytes / immunology*
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Brain / immunology
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Brain Injuries / immunology*
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Complement C3a / genetics
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DNA Primers
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Gene Expression / immunology
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Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / analysis
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Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / genetics
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Interleukin-1 / genetics
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Interleukin-6 / genetics
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / genetics
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Microglia / chemistry
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Microglia / immunology*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase / genetics
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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Rats
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Rats, Inbred BN
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Rats, Inbred F344
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
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Wounds, Stab / immunology
Substances
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DNA Primers
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Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
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Interleukin-1
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Interleukin-6
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RNA, Messenger
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
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Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
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Complement C3a
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Nitric Oxide Synthase
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
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Nos2 protein, rat
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 9